Senator Saland Announces Recipients of the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program

6 Projects to Receive $175,000 Total Funding in Dutchess County

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C – Poughkeepsie) today announced that law enforcement agencies in Dutchess County have received grants under the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program totaling $175,000.

“Law enforcement agencies play a critical role in protecting our state, yet like many entities, they operate within tight budgetary constraints,” said Senator Saland. “These grants will provide much needed funding to better equip Dutchess County law enforcement agencies, thereby bolstering the safety of our community without burdening the local property taxpayers.”

The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program brings together federal, state and local governments to create safer communities by providing the funding necessary to sustain various components of the criminal justice system. JAG funds support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime by giving localities the flexibility to prioritize according to their unique needs and place justice funds where they would be most beneficial.

“The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is grateful to Senator Saland for his efforts in securing this grant. Our ability to upgrade our technology has been hampered by the current fiscal restraints. Therefore finding an alternate funding source is beneficial not only to the department, but to the community we serve as well,” stated Ronald Knapp, Police Chief for the City of Poughkeepsie. “Senator Saland has demonstrated time and time again his ability to recognize our needs and work with the appropriate State agencies who provide grants in order to secure the funding.”

The grants awarded to Dutchess County are as follows:

Dutchess County Sheriff (Anti-Crime Team Equipment) $25,000.00

District Attorney of Dutchess County (Domestic Violence Program) $29,900.00

Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department (Car Video Camera Equipment) $29,500.00

City of Poughkeepsie Police Department (Computer Equipment) $30,000.00

City of Beacon Police Department (Vehicle Purchase) $30,600.00

East Fishkill Police Department (Surveillance Equipment) $30,000.00

TOTAL       $175,000.00